India and Seychelles on Sunday unveiled 19 bilateral outcomes spanning defence, maritime security, healthcare, digital connectivity, infrastructure, education and space cooperation, significantly expanding their strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State visit to the Indian Ocean nation.
The outcomes, announced following delegation-level talks between Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, included several agreements, development projects, grants and strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation across security, economic and people-centric sectors.
Agreements span defence, health, space and UPI
Among the key agreements signed were an Extradition Treaty, an agreement on the peaceful uses of outer space, an MoU to implement India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Seychelles, an umbrella Line of Credit agreement with the Export-Import Bank of India, an MoU on Jan Aushadhi to provide affordable medicines, cooperation in diplomatic training, agricultural research and education, and the recognition of certificates for seafarers. The two countries also announced an MoU to undertake preliminary work for the construction of a new Seychelles National Hospital, besides cooperation in capacity building and technical education.
Beyond the agreements, the two sides also announced a series of development initiatives as part of the 19 outcomes. India handed over a fast patrol vessel to the Seychelles Coast Guard, 10 utility vehicles, five Laser Radial sailing boats and six ambulances. New Delhi also provided 500 metric tonnes of rice and 8,500 metric tonnes of cement, while completing the refit of Coast Guard vessel PS Zoroaster and upgrading a Dornier aircraft with a modern glass cockpit. The leaders also virtually launched the construction of a Professional and Technical Education Centre and unveiled a commemorative logo marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
"India has been a steadfast friend to Seychelles," President Patrick Herminie said while welcoming Prime Minister Modi, describing New Delhi as a key development partner for the island nation.
Addressing a joint press conference, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to Seychelles’ development, highlighting the USD 175 million Special Economic Package announced during President Herminie’s visit to India earlier this year. The package is supporting projects in social housing, transport, skill development, food security, education and defence. Calling development cooperation the defining feature of bilateral ties, Modi said India’s partnership would continue to be guided by the priorities and aspirations of Seychelles.
“Development partnership has been a defining feature of our relationship. India always moves forward by keeping the priorities, needs and aspirations of the partner nation at the centre,” the Prime Minister said.
He said the two countries would further deepen cooperation in healthcare, the Blue Economy, clean energy, climate action, digital public infrastructure and maritime security. Referring to the Jan Aushadhi agreement, Modi said it would improve access to quality and affordable medicines in Seychelles, while India would continue supporting medical care through capacity building and training. He also said New Delhi would share its expertise in ocean observation, marine science and coastal management, expand cooperation in green hydrogen, and implement India’s UPI in Seychelles to strengthen digital connectivity and boost trade with the Indian Ocean region.
“We believe that the defence and security of India and Seychelles are inextricably linked,” Modi said.
PM Modi conferred Seychelles' highest environmental honour
During the visit, President Herminie conferred upon Modi the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’, Seychelles’ highest presidential honour for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development. Accepting the award, the Prime Minister dedicated it to all countries working together to combat climate change and protect the environment for future generations.
“I humbly accept this title with honour and dedicate it to all countries that are struggling against the challenges of climate change and consider environmental protection their responsibility towards future generations,”
Modi said.
He added that India’s commitment to sustainability was reflected in initiatives such as Mission LiFE, the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and called climate change an urgent challenge that nations must overcome collectively.
Modi is on a three-day State visit to Seychelles from June 27 to 29 and will attend the country’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour.
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